KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - Joe Kelly opened his bid for a spot in the St. Louis Cardinals' starting rotation with two hitless innings, and Adron Chambers hit a three-run homer in Friday's 8-8 tie against the Houston Astros.

Among three candidates to replace the injured Chris Carpenter in the Cards' rotation, Kelly walked one hitter in each inning.

Daniel Descalso and Pete Kozma had two hits and drove in two runs each for the Cardinals, who have won five straight.

Chris Carter homered for the Astros, a fifth-inning drive off closer Jason Motte. Brandon Barnes and Brandon Lair also homered for Houston.

Houston starter Bud Norris struck out one and walked one in three innings, allowing Descalso's two-run single in the second.

With Houston trailing by two runs in the ninth, Brandon Laird homered off Victor Marte leading off and Rene Garcia singled with one out. After a throwing error by shortstop Ryan Jackson, pinch-runner Delino DeShields scored on Marte's wild pitch.

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